Cape man sentenced to prison for robberies

October 20, 2012

A Cape Coral man accused of robbing two separate businesses within two days earlier this year received nearly eight years in prison Thursday.

Darin Alexander Carignan, 42, of 215 S.E. 16th St., was sentenced to 94 months after being found guilty of robbery no firearm or weapon and robbery with firearm or deadly weapon, according to the Cape police department.

"This is an example of excellent work between the officers on the street, the detectives, forensic personnel, as well as the prosecutors from the State Attorney's Office," Lt. Tony Sizemore wrote in a statement Friday.

"To have a violent criminal arrested and sent to prison a mere three months later is incredible. It is a credit to the professionals involved in the system - truly swift justice," he added.

Assistant state attorney Marilla Pauly handled the case.

Assistant public defender Joseph Miskovich represented Carignan.

According to Miskovich, Carignan faced a maximum of up to life in prison.

"The prosecutor offered him that (94 months) if he wanted to go ahead and enter a plea to both cases," he said, adding that the offer expired Friday.

"He (Carignan) decided he wanted to accept it instead of proceeding to trial," Miskovich said.

On July 12, Carignan entered L&J Nail Salon, at 2221 Santa Barbara Blvd. He displayed a knife to an employee, ordering the man to give him money.

The employee told police that Carignan jabbed at him with the knife and threatened to cut him if he did not hurry up.

The employee said he opened the register in fear and Carignan grabbed the cash and demanded more.

The employee stated that there was no more, pulled out his wallet and showed Carignan that he had no money. Carignan came around the counter and began searching drawers, at which point the employee ran outside.

He handed an employee a note that instructed her to give him money and stated that he had a gun. Carignan grabbed the money and fled out the front door.

He again fled north on Southeast Santa Barbara Place on a bicycle.

Responding officers observed a man in the 1600 block of Southeast Santa Barbara matching the description given by the employees. An officer tried to make contact with the man, who fled when he saw the approaching officer.

The man left his bicycle in a vacant lot in the 100 block of Southeast 16th Street and continued eastbound behind the residences, the CCPD previously reported. An officer lost sight of the man in the 200 block of 16th Street.

Police canvassed the area and learned of his possible residence.

Carignan was detains a few hours later as he exited the home.

Bank employees and the salon employee positively identified him as the person who had robbed their businesses, according to officials.